Avondale, Arizona – A 3-year-old girl who vanished from her home in Avondale was found safe two days later following an intense multi-city search, authorities confirmed over the weekend. Police say the child was allegedly taken by a woman her parents had allowed to stay overnight because she “needed a place” to sleep.
The suspect, Marina Noriega, 23, is now in custody and has been booked into the Maricopa County Jail in connection with the case.
Incident Overview
According to the Avondale Police Department, Kehlani Rogers, 3, was last seen late Friday night, Feb. 20, at her family’s home in Avondale, Arizona. An Amber Alert was issued after she was reported missing.
Investigators say the child’s parents told officers they had welcomed a “random woman” into their home because she claimed she needed a place to stay. When the parents woke up Saturday morning, both the woman and the child were gone.
Police immediately launched a search effort spanning multiple cities in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Timeline of Events
Authorities say the disappearance unfolded quickly:
- Late Friday, Feb. 20: Kehlani was last seen at her Avondale home.
- Saturday morning: Parents discovered both the suspect and the child missing.
- Saturday afternoon: A tip helped police identify Marina Noriega, 23, as a suspect.
- Saturday evening: Surveillance footage allegedly showed Noriega with the child in the City of Maricopa.
- Sunday morning: Noriega and Kehlani were located at a gas station in Phoenix.
During the search, a woman told police she had given Noriega and the child a ride to the City of Maricopa. According to court records, Noriega allegedly mentioned plans to take a train to California.
Surveillance video from a local business in Maricopa reportedly confirmed Noriega was there with Kehlani.
Details From Police
Authorities located the suspect and child at a gas station Sunday morning after they were sighted in Phoenix. Police confirmed Kehlani was found safe and did not report immediate physical harm.
Investigators said that during questioning, Noriega initially claimed she was Kehlani’s mother before later retracting that statement.
“She denied having any plan for the child after she took her and denied intent to sell or harm the child,” investigators stated in court documents.
Avondale police confirmed Noriega will face charges related to the incident. As of Monday afternoon, specific charges had not been publicly detailed, but jail records confirm she has been booked into the Maricopa County Jail system.
Key Facts
- Missing child: Kehlani Rogers, age 3
- Date last seen: Feb. 20
- Location: Avondale, Arizona
- Suspect: Marina Noriega, 23
- Child located: Sunday morning in Phoenix
- Investigation spanned: Avondale, Maricopa, and Phoenix
- Custody status: Booked into Maricopa County Jail
Additional Context
Cases involving young children and acquaintances — even short-term acquaintances — raise significant safety concerns. Law enforcement agencies often warn families about allowing unfamiliar individuals access to their homes, especially when children are present.
While the child was safely recovered in this case, authorities emphasize that quick reporting and community tips played a crucial role in the positive outcome. Amber Alerts are designed to mobilize the public rapidly when children are believed to be in danger.
Experts say that when someone new is allowed into a home, particularly overnight, it’s important to verify identity, maintain supervision, and ensure children are never left alone with unfamiliar individuals.
Child Safety Awareness
Authorities continue to urge parents and guardians to remain vigilant. Situations involving strangers or casual acquaintances can escalate quickly, particularly when young children are involved.
If you suspect child abuse or child endangerment, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453. The hotline operates 24/7, is toll-free, confidential, and available in more than 170 languages.
Conclusion
Thanks to coordinated police work and community tips, Kehlani Rogers, 3, was safely reunited with her family just days after she disappeared. The suspect, Marina Noriega, 23, remains in custody as the investigation continues.
Authorities say the case serves as a reminder of how quickly circumstances can change and how critical immediate reporting and public awareness are in child abduction cases.
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